Integrated Electronic Medical Record Systems: Critical Success Factors for Implementation

Integrated electronic medical record (EMR) systems are becoming an essential part of the fabric of modern healthcare. EMR systems have evolved from pure record-keeping to an integrated, enterprise-wide system that holds the promise of accurate, real time access to patient healthcare data. EMR systems can provide healthcare administrators and clinicians with the information necessary to improve patient care and lower costs. Little research has been done to identify critical success factors for EMR systems implementation. In this paper we treat EMR systems as a type of enterprise resource planning (ERP) system and address EMR implementation issues by drawing on theory and empirical research from both the healthcare information systems and ERP literatures. A theoretical model and propositions are offered, bolstered by data gleaned through structured interviews with health care professionals. Important success factors discussed include planning, consultants, project management, process redesign and the need for a project champion.